If you're new to fostering, you may experience a mix of excitement and apprehension about your next steps in this journey. At Care Visions, we use our extensive high-level support to provide a well-structured process that supports foster carers at every experience level and stage, from initial preparation and training to welcoming your first child.
Your Supervising Social Worker will guide you through the matching process so that your abilities and experience is best matched with a child or young persons needs.
Once you are approved, your supervising social worker will be looking at referrals sent to Care Visions from Scotland-wide Local Authorities. When it seems that you look like a good match for a particular child who is referred, you will be contacted by your Supervising Social Worker to discuss in more depth about the needs of the child and your availability. If this all looks positive, then a planned move will be agreed between the Local Authority, Care Visions Fostering and yourself. You will be fully supported by your supervising social worker through every step.
There are some steps that can be taken before the child arrives to help with being best prepared for when a child or young person is coming to live with you for the first time. Some important ones to remember are:
Building your Support Network
"It takes a village to raise a child," so building a strong support network is crucial for you and your family. As a Foster Carer, you’ll connect with social workers, professionals in the Team around the Child, and experienced Foster Carers in your area for practical and emotional support. However, your relationships with close friends and family will still be vital, providing extra help and a listening ear when needed.
Create a Welcoming Space for a Child
Preparing your home for a child or young person involves decluttering and ensuring it is cosy, comfortable, and safe. For the child’s bedroom, neutral décor is best until they arrive and can personalize their space, giving them a sense of belonging and choice in how it is decorated. Sharing this time and helping the child to choose their thingscan help start to build a strong foundation for your future relationship.
Take Care of Basics
Consider what would help a child feel reassured when moving to a new home. Creating a Welcome Book with photos and personal messages from you and other family members can help them feel connected from the start. Additionally, prepare by purchasing some essentials like toiletries. Shopping together for a few items can provide comfort and allow children to have some choice about their belongings.
Along with your dedicated Supervising Social Worker, as an Approved Foster Carer with Care Visions, you’ll be fully supported by a Therapeutic Family Worker (TFW) for the first three months of a child coming into placement. They’ll offer advice on the child’s trauma history, experiences and give you strategies to help them and their development, ensuring you have the guidance you need to succeed.
The first steps of your journey as a foster carer sets the building blocks for both you and the child’s new chapter which will be exciting, rewarding and fulfilling. We will be with you every step of the way to make sure that you feel fully supported in your new role.
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